The Intestines (Human Anatomy): Picture, Function, Location, Parts, Definition, and Conditions Next The intestines are a long, continuous tube running from the stomach to the anus. Most absorption of nutrients and water happen in the intestines. The intestines include the small intestine, large intestine, and rectum. The small intestine (small bowel) is about 20 feet long and about an inch in diameter. Its job is to absorb most of the nutrients from what we eat and drink. Velvety tissue lines the small intestine, which is divided into the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The large intestine (colon or large bowel) is about 5 feet long and about 3 inches in diameter. The colon absorbs water from wastes, creating stool. As stool enters the rectum, nerves there create the urge to defecate. Intestine Conditions Stomach flu (enteritis): Inflammation of the small intestine. Infections (from viruses, bacteria, or parasites) are the common cause. Small intestine cancer : Rarely, cancer may affect the small intestine. There are multiple types of small intestine cancer, causing about 1,100 deaths each year.

Celiac disease : An "allergy" to gluten (a protein in most breads) causes the small intestine not to absorb nutrients properly. Abdominal pain and weight loss are usual symptoms. Carcinoid tumor : A benign or malignant growth in the small intestine. Diarrhea and skin flushing are the most common symptoms. Intestinal obstruction : A section of either the small or large bowel can become blocked or twisted or just stop working. Belly distension, pain, constipation, and vomiting are symptoms. Colitis : Inflammation of the colon. Inflammatory bowel disease or infections are the most common causes. Diverticulosis : Small weak areas in the colon's muscular wall allow the colon's lining to protrude through, forming tiny pouches called diverticuli. Diverticuli usually cause no problems, but can bleed or become inflamed. Diverticulitis : When diverticuli become inflamed or infected, diverticulitis results. Abdominal pain and constipation are common symptoms. Colon bleeding (hemorrhage): Multiple potential colon problems can cause bleeding. Rapid bleeding is visible in the stool, but very slow bleeding might not be.

Inflammatory bowel disease : A name for either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Both conditions can cause colon inflammation (colitis). Crohn's disease : An inflammatory condition that usually affects the colon and intestines. Abdominal pain and diarrhea (which may be bloody) are symptoms. Ulcerative colitis : An inflammatory condition that usually affects the colon and rectum. Like Crohn's disease, bloody diarrhea is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis. Diarrhea : Stools that are frequent, loose, or watery are commonly called diarrhea. Most diarrhea is due to self-limited, mild infections of the colon or small intestine. Salmonellosis : Salmonella bacteria can contaminate food and infect the intestine. Salmonella causes diarrhea and stomach cramps, which usually resolve without treatment. Shigellosis : Shigella bacteria can contaminate food and infect the intestine. Symptoms include fever, stomach cramps, and diarrhea, which may be bloody. Traveler's diarrhea : Many different bacteria commonly contaminate water or food in developing countries. Loose stools, sometimes with nausea and fever, are symptoms. Colon polyps : Polyps are growths inside the colon.

Colon cancer can often develop in these tumors after many years. Colon cancer : Cancer of the colon affects more than 100,000 Americans each year. Most colon cancer is preventable through regular screening. Rectal cancer : Colon and rectal cancer are similar in prognosis and treatment. Doctors often consider them together as colorectal cancer. Constipation : When bowel movements are infrequent or difficult. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS, is an intestinal disorder that causes irritable abdominal pain or discomfort, cramping or bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. Rectal prolapse : Part or all of the wall of the rectum can move out of position, sometimes coming out of the anus, when straining during a bowel movement. Intussusception : Occurring mostly in children, the small intestine can collapse into itself like a telescope. It can become life-threatening if not treated. Continued Intestine Tests Capsule endoscopy : A person swallows a capsule that contains a camera.

The camera takes pictures of possible problems in the small intestine, sending the images to a receiver worn on the persons belt Upper endoscopy , EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy): A flexible tube with a camera on its end (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth. The endoscope allows examination of the duodenum, stomach, and esophagus. Colonoscopy : An endoscope is inserted into the rectum and advanced through the colon. A doctor can examine the entire colon with a colonoscope. Virtual colonoscopy : A test in which an X-ray machine and a computer create images of the inside of the colon. If problems are found, a traditional colonoscopy is usually needed. Fecal occult blood testing : A test for blood in the stool. If blood is found in the stool, a colonoscopy may be needed to look for the source. Sigmoidoscopy : An endoscope is inserted into the rectum and advanced through the left side of the colon. Sigmoidoscopy cannot be used to view the middle and right sides of the colon. Colon biopsy : During a colonoscopy, a small piece of colon tissue may be removed for testing.

A colon biopsy can help diagnose cancer, infection, or inflammation. Intestine Treatments Antidiarrheal agents : Various medicines can slow down diarrhea, reducing discomfort. Reducing diarrhea does not slow down recovery for most diarrheal illnesses. Stool softeners : Over-the-counter and prescription medicines can soften the stool and reduce constipation. Laxatives : Medicines can relieve constipation by a variety of methods including stimulating the bowel muscles, and bringing in more water. Enema: A term for pushing liquid into the colon through the anus. Enemas can deliver medicines to treat constipation or other colon conditions. Colonoscopy : Using tools passed through an endoscope, a doctor can treat certain colon conditions. Bleeding, polyps, or cancer might be treated by colonoscopy. Polypectomy : During colonoscopy, removal of a colon polyp is called polypectomy. Colon surgery : Using open or laparoscopic surgery, part or all of the colon may be removed (colectomy). This may be done for severe bleeding, cancer, or ulcerative colitis.

WebMD Image Collection Reviewed by Varnada Karriem-Norwood, MD on November 15, 2014 Sources SOURCES Herliner, H., Maglinte, D., Birnbaum, B., and Balthazar, E. Clinical Imaging of the Small Intestine, Springer, Nov. 30, 2001. The Physics Factbook web site: "Length of a Human Intestine." Dummies.com: "Running Through the Human Digestive System." National Cancer Institute: "Small Intestine Cancer," "Colon and Rectal Cancer." National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: "Celiac Disease," "Colonoscopy," "Flexible Sigmoidoscopy," "Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis." Medscape: "Obstruction, Small Bowel." Large Intestine - Anatomy and Physiology Home > Digestive System > Digestive System of the Lower Torso > Intestines > Large Intestine Large Intestine The large intestine is the final section of the gastrointestinal tract that performs the vital task of absorbing water and vitamins while converting digested food into feces.

Although shorter than the small intestine in length, the large intestine is considerably thicker in diameter, thus giving it its name. The large intestine is about 5 feet (1.5 m) in length and 2.5 inches (6-7 cm) in diameter in the living body, but becomes much larger postmortem as the smooth muscle tissue of the intestinal wall relaxes. The large intestine wraps around the border of the abdominal body cavity from the right side of the body, across the top of the abdomen, and finally down the left side.... Move up/down/left/right: Click compass arrows Rotate image: Click and drag in any direction, anywhere in the frame Identify objects: Click on them in the image Change View Angle Full Large Intestine Description [Continued from above] . . . Beginning on the right side of the abdomen, the large intestine is connected to the ilium of the small intestine via the ileocecal sphincter. From the ileocecal sphincter, the large intestine forms a sideways “T,” extending both superiorly and inferiorly. The inferior region of the large intestine forms a short dead-end segment known as the cecum that terminates in the vermiform appendix.

The superior region forms a hollow tube known as the ascending colon that climbs along the right side of the abdomen. Just inferior to the diaphragm, the ascending colon turns about 90 degrees toward the middle of the body at the hepatic flexure and continues across the abdomen as the transverse colon. At the left side of the abdomen, the transverse colon turns about 90 degrees at the splenic flexure and runs down the left side of the abdomen as the descending colon. At the end of the descending colon, the large intestine bends slightly medially at the sigmoid flexure to form the S-shaped sigmoid colon before straightening into the rectum. The rectum is the enlarged final segment of the large intestine that terminates at the anus. Like the rest of the gastrointestinal canal, the large intestine is made of four tissue layers: The innermost layer, known as the mucosa, is made of simple columnar epithelial tissue. The mucosa of the large intestine is smooth, lacking the villi found in the small intestine. Many mucous glands secrete mucus into the hollow lumen of the large intestine to lubricate its surface and protect it from rough food particles.

Surrounding the mucosa is a layer of blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue known as the submucosa, which supports the other layers of the large intestine. The muscularis layer surrounds the submucosa and contains many layers of visceral muscle cells that contract and move the large intestine. Continuous contraction of smooth muscle bands in the muscularis produces lumpy, pouch-like structures known as haustra in the large intestine. Finally, the serosa forms the outermost layer. The serosa is a thin layer of simple squamous epithelial tissue that secretes watery serous fluid to lubricate the surface of the large intestine, protecting it from friction between abdominal organs and the surrounding muscles and bones of the lower torso. The large intestine performs the vital functions of converting food into feces, absorbing essential vitamins produced by gut bacteria, and reclaiming water from feces. A slurry of digested food, known as chyme, enters the large intestine from the small intestine via the ileocecal sphincter. Chyme passes through the cecum where it is mixed with beneficial bacteria that have colonized the large intestine throughout a person’s lifetime.

The chyme is then slowly moved from one haustra to the next through the four regions of the colon. Most of the movement of chyme is achieved by slow waves of peristalsis over a period of several hours, but the colon can also be emptied quickly by stronger waves of mass peristalsis following a large meal. While chyme moves through the large intestine, bacteria digest substances in the chyme that are not digestible by the human digestive system. Bacterial fermentation converts the chyme into feces and releases vitamins including vitamins K, B1, B2, B6, B12, and biotin. Vitamin K is almost exclusively produced by the gut bacteria and is essential in the proper clotting of blood. Gases such as carbon dioxide and methane are also produced as a byproduct of bacterial fermentation and lead to flatulence, or gas passed through the anus. The absorption of water by the large intestine not only helps to condense and solidify feces, but also allows the body to retain water to be used in other metabolic processes. Ions and nutrients released by gut bacteria and dissolved in water are also absorbed in the large intestine and used by the body for metabolism.

The dried, condensed fecal matter is finally stored in the rectum and sigmoid colon until it can be eliminated from the body through the process of defecation. Prepared by Tim Taylor, Anatomy and Physiology Instructor The Large Intestine (Human) The Large Intestine (Human) By Dr Ananya Mandal, MD What is the large intestine? The large intestine comprises of the second part of the alimentary canal. The large intestine consists of the cecum and colon. It begins at the right iliac region of the pelvis (the region just at or below the right waist) where is continues from the small intestine and continues up the abdomen. Thereafter it traverses across the width of the abdominal cavity, and then it turns down, continuing to its endpoint at the anus. Major function of the large intestine The major function of the large intestine is to absorb water from the remaining indigestible food matter and transmit the useless waste material from the body. Structure of the large intestine The large intestine is made up of the colon and the rectum. The colon is a tubular structure that is around 1.5 m, about one quarter of the length of the small bowel.

Its largest diameter is at the cecum (7.5 cm) and narrowest in the sigmoid (2.5 cm). The colon is continuous with the small intestine from the ileocecal valve and ends finally at the anal verge. The parts of the colon include the ascending, transverse and descending colon. The rectum is 10 cm in length in the adult. It starts at the peritoneal reflexion and follows the curve of the sacrum ending at the anal canal. The anal canal is 5 cm in length in the adult, has discrete upper and lower demarcations. Over the surface of the large intestine are longitudinal muscle fibers called taeniae coli, each about 5 mm wide. There are three bands and they start at the base of the appendix and extend from the cecum to the rectum. There are sacculations called haustra that are characteristic features of the large intestine, and distinguish it from the rest of the intestines. Microscopic structure of the large intestine The large intestine is lined internally by a layer of mucosa. This mucosa contains tiny indentations called the crypts of Lieberkühn. These contain various glands and goblet cells that help in secretion and absorption of fluids.

There is also a large amount of lymphoid tissue that helps in maintaining an immune barrier. Macrophages or immune cells lie at the subepithelial layer. Functions of the large intestine The large intestine performs several important functions in digestion. Its main functions are: Absorbing water Completing the process of digestion that largely takes place in the small intestine. It takes nearly 24 to 30 hours to complete the digestive process. Further digestion or breaking down of nutrients does not take place here but it helps by absorbing water and making the stools solid. Absorption of vitamins The large intestine also helps in absorption of vitamins made by bacteria that normally live in the large intestine. These are friendly bacteria called commensal bacteria. There are over 700 species of bacteria that perform a variety of functions. These commensal bacteria breakdown the undigested polysaccharides or fibers in diet into short-chain fatty acids. These can be absorbed by the large intestine by passive diffusion. The bacteria also produce gas (flatus), which is a mixture of nitrogen and carbon dioxide, with small amounts of the gases hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulphide. These result from the bacterial fermentation of undigested polysaccharides.

These bacteria also produce large amounts of vitamins. The most important of these is Vitamin K and Biotin (a B vitamin). When the vitamin intake in diet is low, this can be an important source of these vitamins. A person who depends on absorption of vitamins formed by bacteria in the large intestine may become vitamin deficient if treated with drugs like antibiotics that kill the commensal bacteria. Reducing acidity and protecting from infections The mucosa of the large intestine also secretes bicarbonates to neutralise the increased acidity resulting from the formation of these fatty acids and other digestive components at earlier parts of the intestines. The mucosal layer of the large intestine also acts as a mucosal barrier and protects from microbial infections and invasions. Producing antibodies The large intestine, particularly the appendix, is a confluence of several lymphoid tissues. These play an important role in immunity. The lymphoid tissues of the large intestine also help in the production of antibodies and cross reactive antibodies. These antibodies are produced by the immune system against the normal commensal bacteria but may also be active against related harmful bacteria and thus prevent infections.

Reviewed by April Cashin-Garbutt , BA Hons (Cantab) Large intestine | definition of large intestine by Medical dictionary Large intestine | definition of large intestine by Medical dictionary large in·tes·tine [TA] the distal (aboral) portion of the digestive tube extending from the ileocecal valve to the anus; it comprises the cecum (with appendix), colon, rectum, and anal canal; shorter in length but larger in caliber than the small intestine, the large intestine functions to absorb fluids and electrolytes and provide temporary storage. large intestine n. The portion of the intestine that extends from the ileum to the anus, forming an arch around the convolutions of the small intestine and including the cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal. Also called large bowel. large intestine Etymology: L, largus, abundant, intestinum the part of the digestive tract comprising the cecum; appendix; ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colons; and rectum. The ileocecal valve separates the cecum from the ileum.

watershed infarct Neurology Infarction of a region peripheral to 2 arteries and susceptible to ischemia; WIs are often hemorrhagic, as restoration of the circulation allows blood to flow into damaged capillaries and 'leak' into the ischemic tissue Watershed infarctions-locations Brain After internal carotid artery occlusion, causing vascular 'steal' phenomena, or between the anterior and middle cerebral arteries, which may be compromised in circle of Willis occlusions, often in a background of generalized atherosclerosis and as a possible complication of directed therapeutic embolization; cerebral perfusion may be impaired by cardiac arrest, pericardial tamponade and ex-sanguination Large intestine At either the splenic flexure, the site of anastomosis between the inferior and superior mesenteric arteries, or at the rectum, a region supplied by peripheral irrigation from the inferior mesenteric artery and the hypogastric artery large in·tes·tine (lahrj in-tes'tin) [TA] The portion of the digestive tube extending from the ileocecal valve to the anus; it comprises the cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal.

SMALL INTESTINE: (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) LARGE INTESTINE large intestine The large intestine extends from the ileum to the anus and is about 1.5 m (5 ft) in length. It absorbs water, minerals, and vitamins from the intestinal contents and eliminates undigested material during defecation. The mucosa has no villi but contains glands that secrete mucus. Hyperactivity of the colon may cause diarrhea. See: illustration The first part of the large intestine is the cecum, a pouch on the right side into which the ileum empties. Attached to the cecum is the vermiform appendix, about 7.5 to 10.4 cm (3 to 4 in) long. The ascending colon extends from the cecum upward to the undersurface of the liver, where it turns left (hepatic flexure) and becomes the transverse colon, which continues toward the spleen and turns downward (splenic flexure) to become the descending colon. At the level of the pelvic brim, the descending colon turns inward in the shape of the letter S and is then called the sigmoid colon.

The rectum, about 10.2 to 12.7 cm (4 to 5 in) long, is the straight part that continues downward; the last 2.5 cm (1 in) is called the anal canal, which surrounds the anus. illustration See also: intestine large intestine The part of the intestine that extends from the end of the ILEUM to the ANUS . It starts in the lower right corner of the abdomen with the caecum, from which the APPENDIX protrudes, proceeds as the ascending COLON to the upper right corner, loops across to the upper left corner as the transverse colon then descends to the lower left corner as the descending colon. The intestine then swings down and centrally as the sigmoid colon and continues as the rectum and the anal canal. The main function of the colon is to reabsorb water from the bowel contents. The rectum is a temporary store for faeces. large intestine the lower part of the gut, consisting of caecum, appendix, colon and rectum, and leading to the anus.

large in·tes·tine (lahrj in-tes'tin) [TA] The portion of the digestive tube extending from the ileocecal valve to the anus; it comprises the cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal. large intestine, n the portion of the digestive tract comprising the cecum; the appendix; the ascending, transverse, and descending colons; and the rectum. The ileocecal valve separates the cecum from the ileum. intestine the part of the alimentary tract extending from the pyloric opening of the stomach to the anus. It is a musculomembranous tube lined with a secretory and/or absorptive mucosa, comprising the small intestine and large intestine; called also bowel and gut. See also intestinal tract. Distended and congested loops of intestine in a cow with intussusception. By permission from Blowey RW, Weaver AD, Diseases and Disorders of Cattle, Mosby, 1997 large intestine Human Intestines | Interactive Anatomy Guide [Continued from above] . . . Gross Anatomy The intestines are located inferior to the stomach in the abdominal body cavity.

They are connected to the posterior wall of the abdomen by the mesentery, a thin vascular membrane. Blood vessels of the mesentery carry oxygenated blood to support the tissues of the intestines and carry nutrient-rich venous blood away from the intestines to feed the tissues of the body. The small intestine is about 1 inch in diameter and about 10 feet long in a living body. It extends from the stomach to the large intestine and consists of 3 major regions: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The duodenum receives partially digested food from the stomach, bile from the liver and gallbladder, and pancreatic juice from the pancreas. These substances mix in the duodenum to further digest food into its most basic units. The duodenum begins to absorb nutrients from the food passing through its lumen. Food next passes into the jejunum, a longer region of intestine where the bulk of the absorption of nutrients takes place. Finally, food passes into the ileum, the longest region of the small intestine. Any last nutrients that were not absorbed in the jejunum are absorbed in the ileum before the food passes into the large intestine.

The large intestine is about 2 ½ inches in diameter and about 5 feet long in a living body. It receives fecal matter from the small intestine through the ileocecal sphincter. The smooth walls of the large intestine absorb water from fecal matter. These intestinal walls also absorb vitamins released from the fermentation of feces by bacteria living in the large intestine. Our large intestine consists of 4 major regions: the cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal. The cecum is a pouch-like dead-end passage that branches inferiorly from the end of the ileum. Fecal matter entering the large intestine from the ileum passes into the cecum before being pushed superiorly into the ascending colon. The appendix is attached to the inferior end of the cecum and is believed to store beneficial bacteria that help break down undigested food. Fecal matter passes from the cecum into the colon, the largest region of the large intestine. The ascending colon carries feces superiorly from the cecum to the transverse colon. The transverse colon then carries feces transversely from the right side of the abdomen to the left side, where it enters the descending colon.

Next, the descending colon carries the feces inferiorly to the S-shaped sigmoid colon and rectum. The rectum stores feces until they are ready to be defecated (eliminated from the body). During defecation, the anal sphincter muscles of the anal canal relax to allow feces to exit the body. Histology The innermost layer of the intestines is the mucosa. Mucosa is made of epithelial tissue containing mucus-secreting goblet cells. Mucus produced by the mucosa lubricates the interior of the intestines to prevent friction from food passing through the lumen, or hollow portion of the intestine. The epithelial cells of the mucosa absorb the nutrients and water from digested food and transfer these substances to blood in nearby capillaries. In the small intestine, many tiny folds called villi increase the surface area of the mucosa so that the contact between food and mucosa is greatly increased, subsequently allowing more nutrients to be absorbed by the intestines. Deep to the mucosa is the submucosa layer that contains many blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues that support the mucosa.

The muscularis layer surrounds the submucosa and provides several layers of smooth muscle tissue to move the intestines. Intestinal movements such as peristalsis and segmentation help to move food through the intestine and churn the food so that it has contact with the intestinal walls. The outermost layer of the intestines is the serosa, which is made of simple squamous epithelium. The serosa forms a smooth, slimy outer layer so that the intestines do not become inflamed from contact with other organs or muscles during digestion and movement of the body. Prepared by Tim Taylor, Anatomy and Physiology Instructor Human Intestines - Functions, location, definition, anatomy, diseases Functions 27 March 2015 Human Body In anatomy, the intestine (or bowel) is the segment of the alimentary canal extending from the stomach to the anus and, in humans, consists of two segments, the small intestine and the large intestine. In humans, the small intestine is further subdivided into the duodenum, jejunum and ileum while the large intestine is subdivided into the cecum and colon. The intestine is the portion of the digestive tract between the stomach and the anus.

The food we eat is ‘digested in’ and ‘excreted out’ our bodies through our intestines. Most food products are absorbed in the small intestine. The large intestine is responsible for absorption of water and excretion of solid waste material. The intestinal tract can be broadly divided into two different parts, the small and large intestine. Grayish-purple in color and about 35 millimeters (1.5 inches) in diameter, the small intestine is the first and longer, measuring 6 to 7 meters (20-23 ft) long average in an adult man. Shorter and relatively stockier, the large intestine is a dark reddish color, measuring roughly 1.5 meters (5 ft) long on average. People will have different sized intestines according to their size and age. Diseases of Intestines: Gastroenteritis, Ileus, Ileitis, Colitis, Appendicitis.

Bunu paylaş: Large intestine anatomy: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Image URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/9206.htm Large intestine anatomy Overview One of the important jobs of the large intestine is to absorb the remaining water from the food residue passing through the intestines. The residue that is left remains in a semisolid state and is propelled toward the rectum by peristalsis. Through reflexes which are triggered by a full colon, feces is eliminated from the body. Review Date 8/1/2015 Updated by: Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission ( URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services.

Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy , editorial process and privacy policy . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation ( The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2017, A.D.A.M., Inc. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions. Length of a Human Intestine - The Physics Factbook Length of a Human Intestine Result Kraus, David. Concepts of Modern Biology. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Globe Book Company, 1993. "The small intestine in adults is a long and narrow tube about 7 meters (23 feet) long. The large intestine is so called because it is wide in diameter.

However, it is shorter than the small intestine — only about 1.5 meters (5 feet) long." 8.5 meters (whole intestine) Intestine , Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia, 2007. "In humans the intestine is divided into two major sections: the small intestine, which is about 6 m (20 ft) long,...; and the large intestine, which has a larger diameter and is about 1.5 m (5 ft) long,..." 7.5 meters (whole intestine) Landois, Leonard, & William Stirling. Textbook of Human Physiology. P. Blakiston, 1889. "The human intestine is ten times longer than the length of the body,... It's minimum length is 507, its maximum length 1194 centimeters (17 to 35 feet);..." 5.2–10.7 meters Flint, Austin. A Text-book of Human Physiology. D. Appleton and Company, 1888.

"The length of the small intestine, according to Gray, is about twenty feet (6.1 meters);..." 6.1 meters (small intestine) When food enters your body, it goes through the digestive system so that your body can absorb nutrients from the food. The digestive system begins with the mouth and is followed by the pharynx, the esophagus, and the intestine, which is divided into two major sections: the small intestine and the large intestine. The small intestine is a long and narrow tube about 6 to 7 meters (20 to 23 feet) long. Food completes its chemical decomposition in which a compound is split into other compounds by reacting with water in the small intestine with the help of the liver, pancreas, and intestinal glands who pour their secretions into it. In the small intestine, there are an enormous number of tiny projections called villi, which absorb the end products of digestion. Villi and folds in the walls of the small intestine cover the lining and greatly increases the surface for absorption, which contributes to the length of the small intestine. The human small intestine has a surface area about ten times greater than the skin surface. The large intestine is wide in diameters but shorter than the small intestine.

It is only about 1.5 meters (5 feet) long. There is no decomposition of food in the large intestine. Bacteria in the large intestine break down any quantity of proteins that have not been completely digested. The large intestine is mostly used to store feces or waste, which consists of 10 to 50 percent of bacteria, undigested cellulose of plant cell walls, minerals, and water. This is then eliminated through the anus. Therefore, the length of the entire human intestine can range from 7.5 to 8.5 meters (25 to 28 feet). Stephanie Kim -- 2007 "Intestine." Encyclopedia Americana. Danbury, CT: Grolier, 1999: 323. "The small intestine is about 23 feet (7 meters) long and consists of three subdivisions." 7.0 m (small intestine) The human intestine is a necessary part of the digestive system. The human digestive system consists of the mouth, the throat (pharynx), the esophagus, the stomach, the small intestine, and the large intestine.

Specifically, the human intestine consists of two parts, the small intestine and the large intestine. The small intestine is a long, narrow, coiled tube extending from the stomach to the large intestine. This is the place where most digestion and absorption of food takes place. The small intestine of a human can be as long as six to eight meters long, depending on age and size of being. So much length can be compacted into so little space because of the nature of the small intestine; it is coiled and takes up less space, while maintaining it's enormous surface area. The large intestine is the posterior or end of the human intestine that consists of four regions the, the cecum, the colon, the rectum and the anal canal. The large intestine is wider but shorter than the small intestine. It measures approximately 1.5 meters in length and its primary function is to absorb water and electrolytes that have already passed unabsorbed through the small intestine. In mathematics, as well as physics, the value of the whole is equal to the sum of its parts. Therefore the average length of the human intestine is equal to the length of the small intestine added to the length of the large intestine.

As a result the average length of the human intestine can be anywhere from 6 to 8.5 meters in length depending on size and age of the person it occupies. Anne Marie Thomasino -- 2001 Colon (Large Intestine): Facts, Function & Diseases Colon (Large Intestine): Facts, Function & Diseases By Alina Bradford, Live Science Contributor | March 25, 2016 03:16pm ET MORE The large intestine, also called the colon, is part of the final stages of digestion. It is a large tube that escorts waste from the body. Credit: S K Chavan | Shutterstock The body has two types of intestines. The small intestine is connected to the stomach and handles the middle part of the digestion process. The large intestine, also called the colon, is part of the final stages of digestion. It is a large tube that escorts waste from the body. Size The colon is much wider than the small intestine, but is also much shorter. According to the Cleveland Clinic , the small intestine is 22 feet (6.7 meters) long. The colon is only 6 feet (1.8 m) long.

This 6 feet of dense muscle is divided into four parts: the ascending colon, the transverse colon, the descending colon and the sigmoid colon. Each part represents a location in the broken rectangle shape that the colon makes in the body. The ascending colon is the right arm of the broken rectangle. The beginning of the ascending colon is called the cecum. The cecum is connected to the small intestine and the appendix. The transverse colon is the top arm that spans from the left side to the right side like a bridge. The left arm is called the descending colon. The sigmoid is the “broken” part of the rectangle that creates an S-shape that hangs off of the descending colon. It empties into the rectum. Function The function of the large intestine is to get rid of food left over after the nutrients are removed from it, bacteria and other waste. This process is called peristalsis and can take around 36 hours, according to the Cleveland Clinic. First, liquid and salt is removed from the waste as it passes through the colon. Then, the waste makes its way to the sigmoid, where it is stored.

Once or twice per day, when the body is ready for a bowel movement, the waste is dumped into the rectum. Diseases & conditions There are many diseases and conditions that are associated with the colon. Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or in the lower colon near the rectum. It is one of the most common causes of cancer-associated death. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 93,090 new cases of colon cancer in the United States in 2015 and one in 20 will get colorectal cancer in their lifetime. Polyps are an abnormal growth of tissue on the inner lining of the colon or rectum that are benign, non-cancerous tumors, according to the American Cancer Society . These polyps can sometimes turn into cancer, but many times do not. There are several types of polyps. Adenomatous polyps can change into cancer and are considered pre-cancerous. Hyperplastic polyps and inflammatory polyps are not typically pre-cancerous, though some in the medical community think they may be signs of future colon cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Doctors usually remove all polyps, just in case.

Colon dysplasia is when a spot of cells on the lining of the colon look abnormal under a microscope. These cells are not cancerous, but can change into cancer over time. People who have had diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease for many years can develop colon dysplasia. Spastic colon, also called irritable bowel syndrome, is more than just a colon problem. It is the spontaneous contractions or loss of movement of the muscles in the small and large intestines, according to the Mayo Clinic . Related: Diseases and conditions that affect the colon and the digestive system: Large intestine (colon): MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Image URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/19220.htm Large intestine (colon) Overview The large intestine is the portion of the digestive system most responsible for absorption of water from the indigestible residue of food. The ileocecal valve of the ileum (small intestine) passes material into the large intestine at the cecum. Material passes through the ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid portions of the colon, and finally into the rectum. From the rectum, the waste is expelled from the body.

Review Date 12/7/2015 Updated by: Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission ( URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy , editorial process and privacy policy . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation ( The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.

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Question: What is the medical name for the large intestine of the human body?
Answer: Colon